A superb header by Mathias Conti and a brave performance by Khairul Azhan helped Pahang to achieve Malaysia Cup dream coming out 1-0 winners over Kelantan at the Shah Alam Stadium. The win ends a 21 year Malaysia Cup drought.
No question that Pahang were the dominate team over the course of the game. Their organisation strangled Kelantan's pattern of play. Going into the game, all the talk was of how Kelantan, without Obinna would cope.
Pahang's attack targeted Kelantan's weakness in the centre of defense and exposed it they have.
The only goal came from the head of Argentine Mathias Conti. The Striker made the most of Azamuddin Akil's superb run and cross to finish quite superbly.
Here's seven things we've learnt from Pahang vs Kelantan
1. Without Obinna, Pahang took advantage.
And they did took it well. Kelantan's central defenders looked disjointed and unorganised. Early on in the game, Khairul Fahmi did try to pull his defenders together however it wasn't enough. Both defenders rode their luck until the decisive goal that sealed the game.
2. Dollah Salleh's tactical change at half-time piled on more pressure
Introduction of Fauzi Roslan in the start of second half, meant that Pahang changed to a 4-4-2. With Azamuddin Akil who played as a second striker in the first half move to a right wing position. It work as they were overrunning Kelantan's right. In hindsight got the winner.
3. Amirul Hadi proved his worth at midfield.
There is little doubt that his move to Pahang revived his career and enjoying the best form of his life. With the faith of his head coach, the former Malaysian international could be expecting a recall after his performances this calendar year.
4. Bojan Hoddak didn't have a plan B.
There's much evidence that the head coach is too over reliant of his starting players. He doesn't really utilize his squad very well. Made substitutions really late into the game when the team needed a lift to inspire them to carry on. Early introduction of Faiz Subri and Fakri Saarni early in the 2nd half could have given them another outlet to exploit.
5. Fakri Saarni is Kelantan's long term future.
Many people will give me a lot of stick for this. I'm sticking with it. I've been such a critic of the player. Even when he signed for Kelantan mid-season I was shock. However he has improved a lot physically, technically and mentally. All he needs are the goals to boost his confidences. His introduction during the second half helped the teams efforts to get the equalizer. Combining well with Indra Putra, Dickson and Norfarhan.
6. Khairul Azhan repays Dollah Salleh's faith by putting a brave performance.
When Kelantan did looked threatening, Khairul Azhan was there to kept the clean sheet for Pahang. He did nothing wrong whatsoever over the 90 minutes. Made a special stop in the heart of the Pahang fans when he denied Norfarhan in the dying moments of the game.
7. Fans were superb.
Despite the downpour, fans from the east coast were high in spirit and voice at Shah Alam. Even us who were watching from the screens felt the intensity of the game.
Conclusion.
So Pahang emerge as victors of this year's Malaysia Cup. The traditional season curtain closer could have well set the tone for next year's domestic season. With the attitude of "We can win this." resonates to every club in the country.
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